TSW-121-14-L-S Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TSW-121-14-L-S is a rectangular connector header manufactured by Samtec Inc., designed for through-hole mounting applications. This 21-position, single-row header operates at 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch and is classified as an active product. The connector features unshrouded design with solder termination and push-pull fastening, suitable for board-to-board or cable interconnection in industrial and commercial applications. Identifying equivalent substitute parts is necessary when the primary part becomes unavailable or when design requirements necessitate alternative connector configurations.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	TSW-121-14-L-S
Manufacturer	Samtec Inc.
Category	Rectangular Connectors
Connector Type	Header
Contact Type	Male Pin
Pitch - Mating	0.100" (2.54mm)
Number of Positions	21
Number of Rows	1
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Termination	Solder
Fastening Type	Push-Pull
Operating Temperature	-55°C ~ 125°C
Material Flammability Rating	UL94 V-0
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Product Status	Active

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the TSW-121-14-L-S is determined by the following critical parameters:

Pitch - Mating: 0.100" (2.54mm) — must remain constant for mechanical compatibility
Connector Type: Header with male pin contact type
Mounting Type: Through hole solder termination
Fastening Type: Push-pull mechanism
Material Flammability Rating: UL94 V-0 compliance
RoHS Status: ROHS3 compliance

The substitute part 4-103321-8 (TE Connectivity AMP Connectors) shares the same mating pitch, connector classification, mounting method, and termination approach. However, this substitute differs in position count (40 positions versus 21 positions) and certain electrical/mechanical specifications, which must be evaluated for application compatibility.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	TSW-121-14-L-S (Main)	4-103321-8 (Substitute)
Manufacturer	Samtec Inc.	TE Connectivity AMP Connectors
Connector Type	Header	Header, Breakaway
Contact Type	Male Pin	Male Pin
Pitch - Mating	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)
Number of Positions	21	40
Number of Rows	1	1
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole
Termination	Solder	Solder
Fastening Type	Push-Pull	Push-Pull
Contact Length - Mating	0.320" (8.13mm)	0.318" (8.08mm)
Contact Length - Post	0.110" (2.79mm)	0.125" (3.18mm)
Overall Contact Length	0.530" (13.46mm)	0.533" (14.65mm)
Insulation Height	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.090" (2.29mm)
Contact Shape	Square	Square
Contact Finish - Mating	Gold	Tin
Contact Material	Phosphor Bronze	Copper Alloy
Insulation Material	Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)	Thermoplastic
Operating Temperature	-55°C ~ 125°C	-65°C ~ 105°C
Material Flammability Rating	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
Product Status	Active	Obsolete

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The TSW-121-14-L-S remains the preferred selection as an active product with current manufacturer support. The substitute part 4-103321-8 carries obsolete product status, indicating discontinued manufacturing and limited availability for future procurement.

Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and UL94 V-0 flammability certification. The primary distinction lies in position count: the main part provides 21 positions while the substitute offers 40 positions. This difference necessitates PCB layout modification and connector footprint redesign if substitution is required.

Operating temperature ranges differ: the main part operates -55°C to 125°C, while the substitute operates -65°C to 105°C. Application environments requiring the full upper temperature range of the main part cannot use the substitute without thermal performance verification.

Contact finish differs (gold versus tin) and contact material composition varies (phosphor bronze versus copper alloy), which may affect electrical performance in specific impedance-sensitive or high-frequency applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 4-103321-8 directly replace the TSW-121-14-L-S without PCB modification?

A: No. The substitute part contains 40 positions compared to 21 positions in the main part. Direct replacement requires PCB footprint redesign and connector placement adjustment. The breakaway feature of the substitute also introduces mechanical differences.

Q: Are the mating pitch and contact type identical between these parts?

A: Yes. Both parts use 0.100" (2.54mm) mating pitch and male pin contact type, which are the primary mechanical compatibility parameters for header connectors.

Q: What is the significance of the product status difference?

A: The main part (TSW-121-14-L-S) is active, meaning Samtec Inc. continues manufacturing and supporting this connector. The substitute (4-103321-8) is obsolete, indicating TE Connectivity has discontinued production. Active products provide better long-term availability and supply chain reliability.

Q: Do both parts meet the same compliance standards?

A: Both parts are ROHS3 compliant and carry UL94 V-0 flammability certification. However, the main part operates across a wider temperature range (-55°C to 125°C versus -65°C to 105°C), which may be critical for specific applications.

Q: What are the differences in contact finish and material composition?

A: The main part features gold-plated mating contacts on phosphor bronze material, while the substitute uses tin-plated contacts on copper alloy. Gold plating typically provides superior corrosion resistance and contact reliability in demanding environments.

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